Sheila Jackson Lee: “Let me thank the ranking member, Mr. Price, and his staff, as well as the chairman, Mr. Diaz-Balart, for their work on…”

“Let me thank the ranking member, Mr. Price, and his staff, as well as the chairman, Mr. Diaz-Balart, for their work on something that is very close and near and dear to many Members' hearts. It certainly is close to mine. The Jackson Lee amendment was passed last year. I am grateful to have the opportunity this year to restate the fact that this amendment indicates that none of the funds made available by this act under the heading ``Federal Transit Administration: Transit Formula Grants'' may be used in contravention of section 5309. This is, as I said, an amendment identical to the Jackson Lee amendment. Might I just briefly speak to this amendment. It affirms the importance to the Nation of projects that create economic development, particularly in the transportation area. It particularly says that the Secretary of Transportation may make grants under this section to State and local governments; it has the authority to assist in financing capital projects, small start-up projects, including the acquisition of real property. The key is that these grants under State and local authority can undertake capital projects, which means that, when local governments propose their projects, the Secretary has the authority to go forward. Nothing can contravene that authority. It is well documented that nothing enhances the competitiveness of a Nation in this increasingly globalized economy than investments in transportation and infrastructure capital projects.…”